87+(?) 2005 Foley Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir - Rancho Santa Rosa 12/15/06 ($28)
14.3% alcColor: Medium purple/black cherry. (3.0) Bouquet: Pretty Pinot black cherry that is sweet (not overly) with some heat showing. (3.0) Body: Solid middleweight with good fruit and excellent acidity, but heat and oak make it a bit austere at present. (2.5) Flavor: Charred oak and heat mars the rich black cherry fruit, which could be more concentrated. Comes off bitter and a bit oaky. (2.5) Finish: Parallels flavor with medium length. (2.5)
Overall: Disappointing after the last three vintages. This is very young, so it could put on some weight and the heat and oak could integrate, but the prevalent heat that slightly overpowers the fruit at present is a little distressing. (13.5)